A charity is asking the people of Coventry to dip into their pockets to help the effort to raise #30,000 needed to rebuild a school in Afghanistan.

Sewa International launched the campaign after an earthquake rocked the north of the country last week, reducing several villages to rubble. And it has got off to a flying start, with more than #2,000 in the kitty.

The charity aims to raise enough money to build an earth-quake-proof school in the devastated region.

Sanjay Jagatia, from Sewa's Coventry branch, said: "Because many other charities are already sending money for food, shelter and water, we have decided to plan for the long-term rehabilitation of these victims.

"We are appealing for schools, businesses, community and voluntary organisations, places of worship and individuals to help us raise the #30,000."

The appeal, which has the backing of Coventry Lord Mayor Cllr Dave Chater, was launched after a quake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck last Monday.

About 2,000 people died and 30,000 were made homeless.

Muna Chauhan, assistant secretary of the Coventry branch, said mud-brick houses had been reduced to rubble.

"Survivors have been picking through their destroyed homes trying to salvage a few belongings."